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Machts R, Hunold A, Drebenstedt C, Rock M, Leu C, Haueisen J. Rain may improve survival from direct lightning strikes to the human head. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1695. [PMID: 38336797 PMCID: PMC10858200 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50563-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
There is evidence that humans can survive a direct lightning strike to the head. Our question is: could water (rain) on the skin contribute to an increase in the survival rate? We measure the influence of rain during high-energy direct lightning strikes on a realistic three-compartment human head phantom. We find a lower number of perforations and eroded areas near the lightning strike impact points on the head phantom when rain was applied compared to no rain. Current amplitudes in the brain were lower with rain compared to no rain before a fully formed flashover. We conclude that rain on the scalp potentially contributes to the survival rate of 70-90% due to: (1) lower current exposition in the brain before a fully formed flashover, and (2) reduced mechanical and thermal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Machts
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Technische Universität Ilmenau, 98693, Ilmenau, Germany
| | - Alexander Hunold
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Technische Universität Ilmenau, 98693, Ilmenau, Germany
| | - Christian Drebenstedt
- Group for Lightning and Surge Protection, Technische Universität Ilmenau, 98693, Ilmenau, Germany
| | - Michael Rock
- Group for Lightning and Surge Protection, Technische Universität Ilmenau, 98693, Ilmenau, Germany
| | - Carsten Leu
- Institute of Electrical Engineering, Leipzig University of Applied Sciences, 04251, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jens Haueisen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Technische Universität Ilmenau, 98693, Ilmenau, Germany.
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Wirth R, Becker C, Djukic M, Drebenstedt C, Heppner HJ, Jacobs AH, Meisel M, Michels G, Nau R, Pantel J, Bauer JM. [COVID-19 in old age-The geriatric perspective]. Z Gerontol Geriatr 2021; 54:152-160. [PMID: 33595696 PMCID: PMC7887547 DOI: 10.1007/s00391-021-01864-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Predominantly the older population is affected by a severe course of COVID-19. The mortality of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 above the age of 80 years is up to 54% in international studies. These observations indicate the necessity to highlight the geriatric perspective on this disease. The diagnostics and treatment of COVID-19 do not differ between younger and older patients but atypical symptoms should be expected more frequently in old age. Older subjects show an increased need for rehabilitation after COVID-19. Paradoxically, increasing rehabilitation demands go along with a reduced availability of geriatric rehabilitation options, the latter being a consequence of closure or downsizing of rehabilitation departments during the pandemic. In general, measures of isolation and quarantine should be diligently balanced as the health and emotional consequences of such measures may be severe in older persons. In light of the poor prognosis of older COVID-19 patients, advanced care planning becomes even more relevant. Caregivers and physicians should be encouraged to compose advanced care directives that also reflect the specific circumstances of COVID-19. Fortunately, current data suggest that the effectiveness of the vaccination with the mRNA-vaccines approved in Germany may be equally high in older compared to younger persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Wirth
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Geriatrie (DGG), Berlin, Deutschland.
- Klinik für Altersmedizin und Frührehabilitation, Marien Hospital Herne - Universitätsklinikum der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Hölkeskampring 40, 44625, Herne, Deutschland.
| | - C Becker
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Geriatrie (DGG), Berlin, Deutschland
- Klinik für Geriatrie, Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Deutschland
| | - M Djukic
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Geriatrie (DGG), Berlin, Deutschland
- Geriatrisches Zentrum, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Göttingen-Weende, Göttingen, Deutschland
- Abteilung für Neuropathologie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen, Deutschland
| | - C Drebenstedt
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Geriatrie (DGG), Berlin, Deutschland
- Klinik für Innere Medizin und Geriatrie, St.-Marien-Hospital Friesoythe, Friesoythe, Deutschland
| | - H J Heppner
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Geriatrie (DGG), Berlin, Deutschland
- Klinik für Geriatrie, Helios Klinikum Schwelm, Lehrstuhl für Geriatrie, Universität Witten-Herdecke, Schwelm, Deutschland
| | - A H Jacobs
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Geriatrie (DGG), Berlin, Deutschland
- Klinik für Geriatrie mit Neurologie, Johanniter Krankenhaus Bonn, Bonn, Deutschland
- CIO, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Deutschland
- EIMI, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Deutschland
| | - M Meisel
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Geriatrie (DGG), Berlin, Deutschland
- Klinik für Innere Medizin und Geriatrie, Diakonissenkrankenhaus Dessau, Dessau, Deutschland
| | - G Michels
- Klinik für Akut- und Notfallmedizin, St.-Antonius-Hospital gGmbH Eschweiler, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der RWTH Aachen, Eschweiler, Deutschland
| | - R Nau
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Geriatrie (DGG), Berlin, Deutschland
- Geriatrisches Zentrum, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Göttingen-Weende, Göttingen, Deutschland
- Abteilung für Neuropathologie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen, Deutschland
| | - J Pantel
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Geriatrie (DGG), Berlin, Deutschland
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Deutschland
| | - J M Bauer
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Geriatrie (DGG), Berlin, Deutschland
- Geriatrisches Zentrum und Netzwerk Altersmedizin, Agaplesion Bethanien Krankenhaus Heidelberg, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Deutschland
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Osterbrink J, Hufnagel M, Kutschar P, Mitterlehner B, Krüger C, Bauer Z, Aschauer W, Weichbold M, Sirsch E, Drebenstedt C, Perrar KM, Ewers A. [The pain situation for residents of nursing homes. Results of a study in Münster]. Schmerz 2012; 26:27-35. [PMID: 22366931 DOI: 10.1007/s00482-011-1127-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the phenomenon of pain in German nursing homes. In particular, it is unknown to what extent and severity pain occurs among residents and how their pain can be described. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 13 nursing homes located in the city of Münster, Germany, were included as part of the health services research project "Action Alliance Pain-free City Münster." Data were collected from 436 residents over 65 years old via self-report or the observational pain tool pain assessment in advanced dementia, german version (PAINAD-G), according to the cognitive status of the residents. RESULTS At the time of the interview, the majority of the residents questioned reported suffering from pain at rest and/or during movement. Approximately one quarter of residents complained about moderate to intolerable pain at rest and nearly 45% during movement. Residents encountered pain most often when standing up, sitting, resting in bed and walking and three quarters of residents had suffered from pain for more than 1 year. Many residents experienced pain in several body regions. Among residents assessed solely by the observational pain scale PAINAD-G, signs indicating pain existed in 21% (≥ 6) or 69% (≥ 2), respectively, depending on the cut-off value chosen on the PAINAD-G scale. CONCLUSION Pain in nursing homes is a challenge that needs more attention as it has considerable negative consequences for the persons concerned. The extent of pain in the studied facilities indicates an urgent need for action on the part of all professionals caring for residents in nursing homes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Osterbrink
- Institut für Pflegewissenschaft, Paracelsus Medizinische Privatuniversität, Strubergasse 21, Salzburg, Austria.
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Sirsch E, Schuler M, Fischer T, Gnass I, Laekeman M, Leonhardt C, Berkemer E, Drebenstedt C, Löseke E, Schwarzmann G, Kopke K, Lukas A. Schmerzassessment bei älteren Menschen in der vollstationären Altenhilfe. Schmerz 2012; 26:410-5, 418. [DOI: 10.1007/s00482-012-1209-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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